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Logan • Utah State senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton will likely miss 4-6 weeks because of a sprained right knee, coach Matt Wells said Tuesday.
Sophomore Kent Myers will replace Keeton as the Aggies' starter against Colorado State on Oct. 3. Utah State has a bye this week.
"We'll move forward," Wells said. "… [Myers] is a tremendous competitor, he loves to play and is a great teammate. He's a selfless individual. I think you saw that with his willingness to move to receiver during spring camp. He's a really good player, and our team will rally around him."
Keeton has played only 12 games since the 2012 season because of injuries. He started all three of the Aggie games this year, including a 12-9 win over Southern Utah and losses to Utah (24-14) and Washington (31-17).
"I hate it," Wells said, "and I hate it for him."
The first sign of trouble for Kenton came in the loss at Utah.
In the first quarter, Keeton stayed in the pocket and was on his left knee after releasing the football. A roughing the passer penalty was called. Keeton got up and limped through the rest of the game but afterward said, "I'm fine."
Against the Huskies last week, Keeton struggled. He completed 17 of 33 passes for 171 yards. He threw two interceptions, including one on the Washington goal line.
According to Wells, Keeton sprained the MCL in his knee in the first quarter against the Huskies. He wore a brace on his leg for the remainder of the game.
Looking ahead?
Myers, who is from Rowlett, Texas, played in seven games last season. He started five times after injuries sidelined Keeton and his original replacement, Darell Garretson.
Utah State went 5-1 in Myers' starts, including a 21-6 win over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player, capping a season when he completed 79 of 119 passes for 866 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed 56 times for 310 yards and five TDs.
"We have a lot of confidence in him and the players have confidence in him," Wells said of Myers. "We know the recipe to have success. We've used it the last two years, but that doesn't guarantee anything. …
"We have to re-create that recipe and that's a matter of everybody on offense playing well around the quarterback, playing better around the quarterback and playing great on defense."
If Keeton is sidelined 4-6 weeks, he will likely miss games against Colorado State, Boise State, San Diego State and Wyoming. He could also miss games at New Mexico and Air Force.
Utah State concludes its regular season at home against Nevada (Nov. 21) and BYU (Nov. 28).
Despite playing only 34 games at Utah State, Keeton is tied for first for career touchdown passes with 60. He is second in total yards with 8,233.
Twitter: @sluhm —
Injury impact
P Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton will miss 4-6 weeks with a sprained right knee.
• Sophomore Kent Myers will replace Keeton as the Aggies' starter, coach Matt Wells says.
• Keeton has played in 12 games since the 2012 season because of a series of injuries.